Case Study

Net Zero in New Zealand

While the goal of the Paris Agreement is clear, how different countries might contribute to its achievement in the medium term, and the associated economic implications, are much less so. Scenario planning can play a key role. Vivid Economics was commissioned by GLOBE-NZ – a cross-party group of 35 members of the New Zealand Parliament – to complete one of the first attempts to apply scenario analysis across the New Zealand economy, covering both land and energy, to help illuminate long-term low-emission pathways.

The scenarios involve a significant departure from the technologies and practices commonplace in New Zealand today; yet within this context, they show that there are a range of different options for meeting the terms of the Paris agreement.

You can read the summary report, which includes policy and strategic recommendations here, or for the underlying quantitative detail and data sources see the technical annex here. Report launch slides can be found here.

The analysis included a substantial programme of engagement with stakeholders from government, business and civil society in New Zealand. The engagement was structured to provide sources of evidence and to challenge the outcomes of the analysis as they emerged. The report’s authors are indebted to all of these stakeholders who gave their time and expertise so generously.